> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.formsort.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.formsort.com/response-data-collection-and-management/variable-schema/orphaned-answers.md).

# Orphaned variables

<figure><img src="/files/m2m8c4xZ7skvyadwXiQG" alt=""><figcaption><p>An orphaned "dob" variable</p></figcaption></figure>

There are cases where an answer will no longer be collected within a flow, but it still has dependencies. For instance, you might delete a `date` question that collects a user's date of birth, however there is a [calculated variable](/response-data-collection-and-management/variable-schema/calculated-answers.md) function that requires that `date` input to calculate an age.&#x20;

In this case, the `date` answer will remain in the flow as an **orphaned** answer.&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}
Generally, you don't want to have orphaned answers. We're working to make it harder and harder to generate them within flows.
{% endhint %}

## Resolving orphaned answers

### Re-use  variable&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/qxWgeljG2wDuTCpvpi9b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Deleting orphaned variables

In order to delete an orphaned variable, you must remove it from any dependencies or "uses" it may have.&#x20;

Using the example at the top of this section, the `date` question that collects a dob would need to be removed as an input to the calculated variable that outputs an age.&#x20;

Once you see that **uses** are at 0, you will have the option to delete the variable.

<figure><img src="/files/7JFD2DyTNNvO8BUHQkVl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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